No chance of an army coup, says defence minister

Minister of Defense and National Security, Mariya Ahmed Didi has stated that she does not believe that officers from the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) will orchestrate a coup.

The minister who appeared on RaajjeTV's morning show on Sunday, which is the 31st anniversary of the 1988 coup attempt, was questioned on the possibility of a coup from the MNDF.

Responding to this, Minister Mariya stated she believes it is highly unlikely and explained that the most recent coup, on 7th February 2012, was orchestrated by political figures.

Noting that it was political figures seen active within the police headquarters, she said that it was these individuals that came into leadership afterwards.

She further stated that it was political figures active during the coup during former President Mohamed Amin Didi's tenure as well.

According to the minister, efforts are being made to communicate and gain feedback from soldiers on every level.

Noting that "it will be highly difficult for anyone to mastermind another coup from within the military," the minister emphasized that "it would be impossible."

When questioned whether it is likely for the military to storm the parliament as they did in the previous administration, the minister responded that the military simply follows orders. She stated that the military cannot be answerable as they were ordered to storm the parliament by the president in the role of the military's commander in chief.

Mariya further highlighted that the commander in chief is tasked with certain responsibilities by the constitution. Therefore any individual in that position should be fully aware of the military procedures and who is answerable when giving out orders.

According to the minister, the military is a highly professional and regulated work environment. She also disclosed that military oversight regulations will be established and followed. These regulations will ensure the military cannot infringe on any civilian rights.

She further noted that the current administration has paved many avenues for soldiers such as rank training and educational courses as well as making efforts to increase military recruitment.

She also added that she aims to mold the military to become a force that is professional, loved by the public, and works for the people's safety, security and best interest, during her time as defence minister.